VIRGINIA TECH WOMEN’S SOCCER DEFEATS LOUISVILLE FOR FIRST TIME AT HOME, 5-1

Laurel Melville

Staff Writer

September 26, 2024

BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech was singing in the rain Thursday evening as it triumphed over fellow ACC opponent Louisville in a 5-1 victory at Thompson Field — its first ever home victory over the Cardinals (5-3-2).

Despite Louisville starting strong, the Hokies (8-3-1) were able to continually break down the Cardinals defense. In the first half alone, shots on goal were 11-to-2 in favor of the Hokies. 

“It was a tough week,” Tech head coach Chugger Adair said after the game. “We had a tough week on the road at Boston. We were able to regroup, which was great. Regroup and refocus for Louisville coming in. So I was pleased with the result and effort the ladies gave tonight.”

Late in the first half, Tech junior forward Taylor Price converted a scrappy corner kick into a shining goal to put the Hokies up 1-0 in the 32nd minute.

Just over four minutes later, freshman forward Taylor Lewin passed a streamline ball, splitting two Cardinal defenders to find Price, who was able to find the back of the net for her second goal of the night to double Tech’s lead. 

“Taylor does a good job finding space in the box,” Adair said. “She's hungry around the goal, she's always looking for second chances. … She puts herself in there and finds pockets, finds space and can take chances.”

With just six seconds remaining in the first half, Louisville forward Emersen Jennings nearly took advantage of a Hokies defensive miscue with a low shot that missed wide just inches of the left goal post.  

Looking for vengeance, the Cardinals came out strong in the second and converted a goal in the 50th minute by freshman Fina Davy, who was assisted by Mackenzie Geigle, making the contest 2-1. 

However, it didn’t take long for the Hokies to respond. Four minutes later, sophomore forward Anna Weir hit a scorcher from the top left corner of the box that went over the goalie and surprised everyone.

“It was huge,” Adair said. “Getting that third goal was important, especially after a little bit of sloppy play and defending on the goal.”

Just over two minutes later, Tech sophomore midfielder/forward Natalie Mitchell added an insurance goal which traveled into the top left corner of the net. 

They say things come in threes, and for Price, that was true. In the 63rd minute, she scored her third goal and earned her first career hat trick, giving the Hokies a comfortable 5-1 lead. 

Late in the match, a frantic Louisville was able to pick up the pace and produce some good looks. In the 66th minute, Jennings took a shot that ended up behind the goal. The effort was too little too late, and Tech was able to lock up the win. 

Next up for the Hokies is a road trip to Miami on October 3 at 8 p.m. ET on ACC Network. 

“We know Miami is a difficult place to play,” Adair said. “We think going down there is a little tighter of a field and a little difficult environment, so we’ve got to get ourselves regrouped and build off of this and play with a little bit of passion.”